Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd scouting mission comes to nothing as Man City muscle in on defender
MANCHESTER UNITED'S efforts to sign Aymeric Laporte this summer appear to have been dashed by rivals Manchester City.
Bilbao's Aymeric Laporte (above) is wanted by a number of European clubs
Scouts are understood to have been sent from Old Trafford to Athletic Bilbao to watch Laporte in action.
The defender, 21, has been earmarked as part of a summer restructuring of United's back line.
United were even reportedly prepared to offer Bilbao the £40million fee that would trigger the release clause in his contract.
But City believe having Guardiola will give them a negotiating edge.
As for United, they are expected to part company with Louis van Gaal this summer, with Jose Mourinho lined up to replace him.